Snow Day

According to weather.com, we got over 7" of snow last night. That is great news for the kids, who LOVE the snow and for their Dad who LOVES having little buddies to play with in the snow.

 The snow, actually has an ice like crust on top. The kids would walk on top of it for a few steps, then fall through. Made walking a bit difficult.

 They first decided to use the Bilibo as a sled. While it did slide, it was not easy to stay in.

 Yes, Dad had to try it out and see if he could make it work better.

 Clearly, he couldn't.

 Imogene gave it a try, too.

 Willoughby seems to be made for snow. He loved every minute of it.

 After giving up on using the bilibo as a sled, the kids laid down to make snow angels.

 Willoughby was having a blast exploring our snow covered neighborhood.

 They decided a laundry basket would make a much better sled.

 And it did work much better!

 Aidan didn't like it too much. He clung to the sides and hopped out as soon as it stopped moving. He didn't want another try. He was done with that.

 Dad, of course, had to try. Aidan helped and gave him a little push to get him going.

 I doubt they'll be picnicing today.

 Aidan had a very hard time standing up. 7" is up to his knee, so it was difficult to walk without falling over. He eventually took to wallowing in the snow and not try to walk.

Willoughby was creeping around, exploring everything and eating as much snow as he could. Lucas preferred to stay indoors. Emery napped.

New Year's Resolutions

On New Year's Day, over lunch, I explained to the kids about New Year's Resolutions. I had already made one for Emery, and he was not happy about it. (He is giving up bottles in 2011.) So, I tell them, "A resolution is something you resolve to do; be it giving up something you shouldn't do, doing something you should do, or just trying something new."
I first asked Aidan would he like to make a New Year's Resolution and what would it be. He responded, "I'd like to eat beans." (Aidan rarely eats beans, so I guess he was up for trying something new.)
I then asked Imogene if she would like to make a New Year's Resolution and what would it be. She responded, "I'm going to stop picking my nose. And I'm going to stop putting things in my mouth and chewing on things like a baby. And I need to exercise."

Christmas Morning In Pictures

Christmas Eve Came...

 On Christmas Eve, we made a gingerbread house. We've never made one before, but we really liked the experience. A witch does not live in our gingerbread house. A green Christmas fairy lives in our gingerbread house! - Imogene

 On Christmas Eve, we always bake cookies. Mommy left the cookie baking up to me this year. (Except for the dangerous parts of putting cookies in and out of the oven.) I made a dozen cookies all by myself! Yes, they were break and bake, but I had no help! And they were delicious.- Imogene

 On Christmas Eve, we each get to open one gift. It makes us super excited right before bed! We were thrilled to get to each open a gift. Emery liked opening his gift because he could do it by himself, with no one helping him. He's getting big. - Aidan

We all got a gift in our Christmas Eve gift! I love books. Aidan and Imogene didn't seem surprised. I guess books are usual gifts in this house. I loved mine. After we read the prophesy from Isaiah, Mommy read each of us our new book. I love mine! It is about a pig and an elephant and a snake! - Emery

Parent's Day At Ballet

Last week, my ballet studio had Parent's Day. It was so much fun! All our parents got to come into the studio with us and see how we were learning! I love ballet and I was so happy Mom and Dad got to come see me dance! My favorite part of my class is hopping on one foot. It is so much fun! - Imogene

Conversations With Imogene At McDonald's

Imogene and a new girl friend were playing in the play area at McDonald's. They come out with a look of determination on their faces. I stopped them, hoping to find out what they were up to.
Me: Imogene, where are you going?
Imogene: We are going to get that boy!
Me: Why are you trying to get that boy?
Imogene: Because he is mean.
Me: How is he mean?
Imogene: Well, he just doesn't like me.
Me: He doesn't have to like you, Imogene.
Imogene: Well, he likes HER! (points at her new friend, then puts her hands on her hips.) And Mom, I am VERY pretty!
Me: ... (laughing, crying, speechless)